Nagaland

Ruled by Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, the ceasefire between the Centre and two rival factions of National Socialist Council of Nagalim – the Isak- Muivah and Khaplang factions – continued during 2006. While the ceasefire with the NSCN (I-M) was extended up to 31 July 2007, the ceasefire agreement with the Khaplang faction was extended up to 27 April 2007. The Government of India had been holding formal talks with the NSCN (I-M), the latest being held at Amsterdam on 4-6 December 2006, but the talks remained inconclusive.[1]

The internecine fighting between the two rival NSCN factions continued. According to State Home Department, there were around 90 factional clashes during 2006.[2] In February 2006, a member of the Isak-Muivah group was reportedly killed and an activist of the rival Khaplang group was injured in clashes between the two factions.[3] Similarly, on 16 December 2006, suspected cadres of the NSCN (I-M) shot dead Palang Khiamniungan, the “Education Minister” of the Naga National Council (Adinno faction) at Phoolbari near Kohima. The Naga National Council (Adinno) had been critical of the ongoing peace process between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M).[4]

Both the security forces and the armed opposition groups (AOGs) were responsible for violations of the right to life of the civilians. On the night of 29 June 2006, one Khan Silgh alias Suresh, hailing from Geleki under Golaghat district of Asom, was reportedly killed by six Asom Police personnel who intruded into Gatiyongpang Tea Estate in Tuli town under Mokokchung district. The deceased had gone there to meet one of his relatives working in the Tea Estate.[5]

In the first week of March 2006, suspected cadres of the NSCN (I-M) abducted four persons identified as Nukhoselii, Kobou, Atha and Villalhoulie and later killed two of them identified as Kobou Kotsu and Atha Puro on the charges of killing a watchman at Piphima village near Kohima.[6]

On 17 August 2006, the NSCN (K) served "quit notice" to Tangkhuls of Nagaland on the charges that “They are responsible for masterminding terrorism against the NSCN and innocent Nagas”.[7] Many Tangkhuls serving as government employees in many areas of Nagaland reportedly left and took shelter in Dimapur under police protection following the “quit notice”.[8]

There was no separation of judiciary from executive. There were a total of 3,936 cases pending with the District and Subordinate Courts as on 30 September 2006.[9]

[1]. Annual Report 2006-2007, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India